In this case, however, the young people had their troubles too, and their
pretty courtship was soon interrupted by an unwelcome and unexpected
visitor, who, as a rule, avoided that part, for the very reason that
Colonel Clifford frequented it. However, he came there to-day to speak to
Hope. Mr. Bartley, for he it was, would have caught the lovers if he had
come silently; but he was talking to a pitman as he came, and Mary's
quick ears heard his voice round the corner.
"Papa!" cried she. "Oh, don't let him see us! Hide!"
"Where?"
"Anywhere--in here--quick!" and she flew into Hope's workshop, which
indeed offered great facilities for hiding. However, to make sure, they
crouched behind the lathe and a huge plank of beautiful mahogany Hope was
very proud of.
As soon as they were hidden, Mary began to complain in a whisper. "This
comes of our clandestine m--. Our very life is a falsehood; concealment
is torture--and degradation."
"I don't feel it. I call this good fun."
"Oh, Walter! Good fun! For shame! Hush!"
Bartley bustled on to the green, called Hope out, and sat down in Colonel
Clifford's chair.
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